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During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the BJP leader questioned the Speaker whether he had allowed e-cigarettes in the House when it has been banned across India.
He said that this practice is a violation of the dignity of Parliament and national law and he wants to inform the entire House about this matter.
“Sir, I have a question for the House. Sir, e-cigarettes have been banned in the entire country. Have you allowed it in the House?” Anurag Thakur said.
Speaker Om Birla replied, “No, no one is allowing it.”
“Sir, have you checked it? Some TMC MPs are consuming it,” Thakur alleged.
There was uproar in the Lok Sabha after Thakur raised the issue and he demanded disciplinary action against the TMC MP without naming him.
Speaker Birla said that the rules of conduct are the same for all MPs and assured action if a formal written complaint is filed. He asked the MPs to maintain decorum and dignity in the House.
According to News 18, he said, “I request all the Members of Parliament to follow the rules and regulations of the Constitution. If any Member of Parliament comes to me with any such issue, I will definitely take action on it.”
What are e-cigarettes?
An electronic cigarette or vape is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank.
Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor, often referred to as “vaping.” E-cigarettes can come in many shapes and sizes and most e-cigarettes contain nicotine.
Ban on e-cigarettes in India
In 2019, the Government of India enacted the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act to protect public health and banned the production, sale and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.
The Act, which comes into effect from September 18, 2019, aims to curb growing concerns about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and similar devices.
Under the Act, no person or entity is permitted to produce, manufacture, import, export, transport, sell or distribute electronic cigarettes.